The State Duma of the Russian Federation has approved a law granting stateless individuals – apatrids – the right to serve in the Russian army under contract. This decision was made during the third and final reading of the relevant bill.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Expansion of rights to serve in the army
The explanatory note states that the new measure aims to broaden the pool of individuals eligible to serve under contract in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. Previously, only citizens of Russia and foreigners with officially recognized citizenship could sign contracts.
Chairman of the Defense Committee Andrey Kartapolov explained that the changes primarily concern residents of territories temporarily occupied by Russia in Ukraine. According to him, some residents of European countries who have moved to Russia also face deprivation of citizenship, so the law aims to address this gap.
“This is yet another source for replenishing the army. We are also closing a gap in the legislation, as every person should have the right to join the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.”
Opportunity to obtain a Russian passport
Kartapolov emphasized that the new law is not related to a shortage of contract soldiers. According to estimates, the Russian Ministry of Defense expects to recruit between four to five thousand apatrids into the army. In exchange for military service, these individuals will be able to obtain a Russian passport.
According to statistics from the Border Service of the FSB, approximately 90,000 stateless individuals entered Russia last year, not counting tourists and transit passengers.